Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Mount Raung, located on the border of Banyuwangi, Bondowoso, and Jember regencies in East Java, erupted on Tuesday morning (December 24), spewing an ash column approximately 2,000 meters above its peak.
According to CNN Indonesia, Burhan Alethea, a volcanologist at the Mount Raung Observation Post in Banyuwangi, reported that the eruption occurred at Tuesday, December 24, around 9:30 AM local time.
Standing at 3,332 meters above sea level, Mount Raung’s ash plume was observed as thick and gray, drifting eastward. Seismographic data recorded a maximum amplitude of 32 mm and a duration of approximately 4 minutes and 42 seconds.
Currently, the volcano remains at Level II (Alert) status, according to Burhan Alethea.
Hikers Caught in Eruption
Twenty hikers were initially reported stranded on Mount Raung during the eruption.
“There were actually 40 hikers in total, but 20 had already descended. The remaining 20 are currently being escorted down by rescue teams,” said Ismanto, a volunteer from Banyuwangi’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), as reported by Kompas.
The hikers, who were on the route to the summit, were advised to descend immediately for their safety. “All hikers are now in safe zones, as the distance from the camp to the crater summit is quite far,” Ismanto explained.
Authorities have confirmed that no hikers were at the summit during the eruption. While climbing activities were halted, special patrols were also deployed at key entry points to prevent unauthorized climbing.
Mitigation Efforts Underway
Muhammad Wafid, Head of the Geological Agency at Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, reported four subsequent eruptions at 10:25 AM, 10:31 AM, 10:35 AM, and 12:10 PM. The increased volcanic activity indicates the potential for further eruptions.
“Eruptions at Mount Raung are considered normal given its current Level II status, characterized by fluctuating volcanic activity and the potential for sudden eruptions,” Wafid said.
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BPBD Banyuwangi Chief Danang Hartanto emphasized ongoing mitigation measures, focusing on four districts closest to the volcano: Kalibaru, Songgon, Glenmore, and Sempu.
“These districts are under continuous monitoring due to their proximity to Mount Raung,” Danang stated on Tuesday.
BPBD is coordinating with multiple stakeholders to prepare for potential worst-case scenarios, including evacuation and disaster response plans. However, Danang assured that Banyuwangi remains safe for now, as the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has reported winds blowing northwest.
Authorities continues to monitor Mount Raung volcanic activity. Therefore, authorities have urged residents and visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least three kilometers from the summit crater and to avoid camping or staying overnight in the caldera area.
(Raidi/Agung)
